What happened
A commuter air taxi flight, carrying six passengers and cargo, attempted to depart from a 1,625-foot long gravel airstrip. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft experienced two instances of lift-off before settling back onto the runway surface. The aircraft eventually exited the end of the runway, coming to a stop approximately 1,300 feet beyond the departure end.
Witnesses at the scene, including another air taxi pilot, observed that the pilot performed the takeoff downwind. All witnesses and the pilot reported that the engine was operating normally and was set to a high power setting during the incident.
Following the accident, an Alaska State Trooper pilot arrived on the scene to interview the crew and witnesses. During the inquiry, the pilot stated that he had determined the wind direction by observing the windsock while positioned on the ramp. However, the trooper noted that the windsock was not visible from the ramp area due to high vegetation.